Si Phraya Road

At the turn of the 19th–20th centuries, the area beyond Bangkok's old city boundary marked by Phadung Krung Kasem Canal was seeing rapid growth, with increasing numbers of Western expatriates and well-to-do members of society settling in the area that is now Bang Rak District.

A fifth nobleman, later to become Phraya Sunthonphimon, was also a partner, though he held the title of Luang Manatmanit (a lesser rank) at the time.

[1] The road ran from the area of Captain Bush Lane (also later known as "Si Phraya Pier", after the road), near the mouth of Phadung Krung Kasem Canal where the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank was located, to Wat Hua Lamphong, which is now on the corner of Sam Yan intersection.

The United Club had been located on its corner with Charoen Krung since the 1880s, and the intersection soon became a fashionable European shopping centre.

The road was home to members of the upper class, high-ranking officials, and Western expatriates.